Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), Bachelor of Science
Transform passion for helping others into a career that matters.
In Ohio State's only family-focused human development program, you'll discover why children thrive, how families overcome challenges and what communities need to flourish. HDFS combines rigorous science with real-world practice—preparing you for impactful careers in social services, healthcare, education and beyond. Experience the rare combination of big university resources with small program mentorship, where dedicated faculty know your goals and help you exceed them. Your journey to changing lives starts here.
Flexible, Transfer-Friendly, and Designed for Exploration
Whether you're transferring to Ohio State or considering a change in your major, the HDFS program offers a smooth transition and a clear path to graduation. With a lower total credit requirement, you’ll have the flexibility to:
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Add a minor or second major without delaying graduation
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Customize your academic journey to align with your personal and professional goals
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Stay on track even if you're joining the program mid-way
We welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds and provide the support needed to build meaningful, interdisciplinary experiences. Explore HDFS and discover how it can fit into your future.
Program Features
Analyze and evaluate how family, community, societal, biological and cognitive factors interact to influence individual development and family well-being across populations.
Apply human development theories to assess individual and family needs across all life stages, from infancy through late adulthood.
Identify family system patterns and design evidence-based interventions to promote health and well-being for all family members.
Critique research methodologies, synthesize findings across studies and apply evidence-based knowledge to address human development and family science questions.
Create compelling written and oral communications tailored to diverse audiences, purposes and professional contexts.
Synthesize research and theory to produce evidence-based recommendations for real-world family and human development challenges.
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, interpret statistical results, interpret thematic patterns and evaluate the validity of data-driven conclusions in HDFS research.
Evaluate technology's impact on human development and family dynamics and create ethical strategies for technology use in professional practice.
Student Testimonials
HDFS is a great choice for those who wish to pursue a career in the helping fields. It is a flexible major that I could simultaneously track with pre-med and enjoy the extra content I was learning.
I took some HDFS classes my freshman year and I was in love with it. The professors and faculty genuinely care about their students’ learning experiences instead of just trying to push their students to get good grades. I really love the flexibility of the program, too. It is great for international students to have that flexibility to take online classes and complete their degree.
Student opportunities
The HDFS Club is a student organization at Ohio State that helps students navigate the HDFS major and minor through mentoring, advising and faculty engagement. We promote academic success, peer support, and student-faculty collaboration, while offering service, social and academic opportunities for involvement. Advisor: Dr. Autumn Bermea.
Undergraduate students in HDFS collaborate with faculty and graduate students on impactful research. Their contributions are valued and often recognized through scholarships, awards, and co-authored publications. Faculty are passionate about mentoring students and fostering future scholars.
Students gain hands-on experience by working in real-world settings related to human development and family science. Field placements allow students to apply classroom learning, build professional skills and explore career paths in diverse community and organizational environments.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) support student learning in the HDFS program while gaining valuable experience and earning $13/hour for 3–20 hours/week. This paid role enhances resumes, especially for those pursuing graduate school or careers in higher education, and offers a chance to give back to the OSU community. The program hires 8–12 UTAs per term. Applications are competitive and due by Week 11 of the prior semester.
Students in HDFS can access a range of financial support at Ohio State, including scholarships, awards, and travel funding. These opportunities recognize academic achievement, research involvement, and leadership. Explore what's available to help support your journey—both inside and outside the classroom.
HDFS Undergraduate Program Awards are presented annually to exemplary students in five categories: Leadership Award, UTA Award, Research Award, Student-Athlete Award and Student-Parent Award. The awards are presented at the EHE Undergraduate Graduation Open House in May each year.
Students are strongly encouraged to seek out opportunities to incorporate study abroad as part of their HDFS undergraduate education. Recently, faculty members Ashley Hicks and Annemarie Turpin have led the Hospitality, Tourism and Gastronomy in Paris program.
Career Paths
Human development and family science prepares you for a multitude of career options in human service, non-profit and public service.
Related degrees
HDFS offers flexible academic options to meet diverse student interests and career goals.
Professional preparation for early childhood educators and childcare professionals (Online program)
Valuable complement to majors in psychology, social work, education, pre-law, and health sciences.
Faculty
Program News
In a fast-paced, complex world, has the rulebook for raising adolescents been rewritten?
Degree requirements
Deadline to Apply
Spring semester - Nov. 1
Summer - March 1
Autumn Semester - May 15
Minimum Program Hours
42 HDFS hours
Get in touch with advising team.
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